Role of cyclic nucleotides in growth control

Two functionally distinct classes of growth arrest states in human prokeratinocytes that regulate clonogenic potential

Rapidly growing normal human neonatal prokeratinocytes (HPK) cultured in serum-free medium can be induced to undergo either reversible or irreversible growth arrest at distinct cell cycle states. Reversible G1 arrest was induced by culture of low-density cells in human lymphocyte conditioned medium, by culture in high-density stationary phase conditioned medium, and by culture in isoleucine-deficient medium. Irreversible arrest of HPK growth predominantly in G1 was induced by culture in growth factor-deficient medium. Irreversible arrest of HPK growth in G1 and G2 was also induced by culture in suspension in methylcellulose prepared in complete MCDB 153 medium or by culture in serum-containing medium. Finally, the drug razoxane was employed to induce irreversible arrest of HPK in G2. These data establish that there are 2 distinct classes of growth arrest states for HPK and suggest that each arrest mechanism may serve a unique role in the control of keratinocyte differentiation in normal cells. It is also possible that the development of selective defects in either of these processes could be of etiologic significance in certain epidermal disease states.

Potentiation of prostaglandin E1-stimulated cAMP formation by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in BALB/c mouse 3T3 cells

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1: 0.1-100 microM), forskolin (0.1-100 microM), and cholera toxin (20 ng/ml) stimulated cAMP formation of BALB/c 3T3 cells. The pretreatment of the cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) enhanced PGE1 (10 microM)-stimulated cAMP formation in a concentration- and a time-dependent manner. If the cells were pretreated with TPA (0.1 microM) for only 1 hr, the above augmentation was not observed. Maximal enhancement was observed by pretreatment of the cells for 5 hr with 0.1 microM TPA. Basal cAMP formation was not affected by TPA pretreatment. Other tumor promoters, such as teleocidin and mezerein, showed a potentiating effect similar to that of TPA on the PGE1-stimulated cAMP formation. However, phorbol which is not a tumor promoter, failed to potentiate PGE1 action significantly. These results suggest that the above TPA action may share some common mechanisms with the tumor-promoting action of this agent. On the other hand, the forskolin- and cholera toxin-stimulated cAMP formations were not changed by pretreatment of the cells with TPA. Therefore, our results indicate that the potentiating action of TPA on PGE1-stimulated cAMP formation in 3T3 cells is not due to the activation of the catalytic unit or the stimulatory guanine nucleotide binding protein (Ns) of adenylate cyclase (AC) system by this agent. It is highly likely that TPA induces some alterations on PGE1 receptors or on PGE1 receptor-Ns coupling systems and consequently induces an augmentation of PGE1-stimulated cellular cAMP response.

Anticarcinogenic effect of retinoids on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumor induction, and its relationship to cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

Administration of 13-cis retinoic acid and N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide daily in the diet to female Sprague-Dawley rats beginning one day after intubation with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) prolonged the latency periods and inhibited the percentage incidence of mammary tumors. A significant reduction in the total number of tumors was also evident. The inhibition of mammary tumor growth by retinoids was associated with a significant increase (3-fold) in cytosolic cAMP-binding and histone kinase activities. The increase of histone kinase activity was almost totally in the cAMP-dependent protein kinase Type II. Retinoic acid increased the amount of the regulatory subunit (R11) rather than altering its cAMP binding affinity. These results suggest that cAMP-dependent protein kinase Type II may be involved in mediating the retinoid action in the inhibition of mammary tumor growth in vivo.

Lectin binding and surface glycoprotein pattern of human macrophage populations

In the present study unstimulated and stimulated human blood monocytes, untreated and phorbol ester treated U-937 cells, as well as human peritoneal and alveolar macrophages were studied with respect to their surface membrane properties. Binding of different lectins and electrophoretic patterns of tritium labeled surface glycoproteins were compared. The analysis of surface glycoproteins could be interpreted as evidence for a common origin of the analysed cell populations. Furthermore, banding patterns of glycoproteins might be useful to define certain activation states within monocyte/macrophage differentiation. In contrast, lectin binding pattern did not clearly discriminate macrophage subpopulations.

Epinephrine decreases low density lipoprotein processing and lipid synthesis in cultured human fibroblasts

The effect of epinephrine on 125I-low density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake and cholesterol metabolism was investigated after a 24 hours pretreatment of cultured human fibroblasts. Epinephrine decreased LDL uptake (binding + internalization) and degradation in a dose-dependent manner. Cholesterol synthesis from 14C sodium acetate and cholesterol esterification measured by 14C oleic acid incorporation into cholesteryl esters were also decreased. These results are in agreement with the general view that epinephrine increases cyclic AMP intracellular level, as it was previously demonstrated that dibutyryl cyclic AMP or isoproterenol treatment of cultured fibroblasts had similar effect on these pathways. The decrease in LDL processing induced by epinephrine could be involved in the worsening effect of epinephrine on atherosclerosis.

Cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation of a 16 kDa protein in a plasma membrane-enriched fraction of rat aortic myocytes

Phosphorylation induced by cAMP-dependent protein kinase was examined in a plasma membrane-enriched fraction from control and beta-adrenergic-stimulated rat aortic myocytes. Phosphorylation of a 16 kDa protein which copurified with the plasma membrane marker (Na+ + K+)-ATPase was most prominent. It was decreased by pretreatment of the myocytes with isoproterenol and the effect of isoproterenol was inhibited by propranolol. Both phosphorylation induced by cAMP-dependent protein kinase and its inhibition by isoproterenol pretreatment declined in preparations exposed to endogenous phosphatase. These results provide strong evidence that beta-adrenergic stimulation of aortic myocytes induces in situ phosphorylation of a 16 kDa plasma membrane protein.

Heterogeneous localization of adenylate and guanylate cyclases in R3230AC rat mammary adenocarcinoma cells

Adenylate and guanylate cyclase activities were demonstrated in R3230AC rat mammary adenocarcinomas by electron microscopic cytochemistry. Adenylate (AC) and guanylate (GC) cyclases were detected on plasma membrane of tumor epithelial cells, but not on fibroblasts and endothelial cells in the perivascular space. Both AC and GC activities were enriched in tumor epithelial cells at the periphery of the tumor lobular parenchyma rather than in cells in central core of the lobular parenchyma. Furthermore, the tumor cell plasma membranes facing the connective tissue stroma were in paucity or devoid of either enzyme activity. These heterogeneous distributions of both AC and GC among tumor epithelia suggest that R3230AC epithelial cells in different parts of the tumor mass may vary significantly in their regulation of cellular physiology.

Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells: an improved method for tissue culture and a description of some singular properties in culture

Tissue culture of human large vessel endothelium is now routine in many laboratories but tissue culture of human microvascular endothelium remains a difficult procedure, preventing study of features of endothelial function that may be peculiar to the microvasculature. This report describes an improved method for tissue culture of human dermal microvascular endothelium derived from foreskin. The method is rapid, reproducible, avoids contamination with nonendothelial cells, and does not require the use of a tumor-conditioned medium. The major modifications over existing techniques are the use of a Percoll density gradient to remove the majority of nonendothelial cells followed by a simplified weeding procedure that removes residual nonendothelial cells and leaves large numbers of endothelial cells to grow rapidly to confluence. The cells are identified as endothelial by their morphology and by positive immunofluorescence for Factor VIII. Proliferation experiments demonstrate their requirement for an exogenous matrix and for a high concentration of human serum. Whole serum was required as platelet-poor plasma serum had poor growth stimulatory activity. Proliferation could be enhanced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP or endothelial cell growth substance and was maximal with the combination of endothelial cell growth substance and heparin. However, the use of these agents did not remove the requirement for an exogenous matrix. Fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, nerve growth factor, and thrombin did not increase proliferation.

Dibutyryl cyclic AMP resistant MDCK cells in serum free medium have reduced cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase activity and a diminished effect of PGE1 on differentiated function

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) has a stimulatory effect both on the growth and the expression of differentiated function of Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells in a hormonally defined medium (Medium K-1). While the stimulatory effect of PGE1 on MDCK cell growth is observed in subconfluent cultures, the effect of PGE1 on differentiated function (i.e., dome formation) is observed at confluency. PGE1 may possibly affect growth and such differentiated functions by separate mechanisms. In order to examine this possibility, dibutyryl cyclic AMP resistant variants of MDCK were selected. All of the variants were partially resistant to the growth inhibitory effects of dibutyryl cyclic AMP and theophylline. The cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase activity of four of the five variant clones studied was significantly reduced as compared with normal MDCK cells. The dependence of the kinase activity of several of the dibutyryl cyclic AMP resistant variants (DBr2 and DBr3) on the cyclic AMP concentration in the reaction mixture was compared with that of normal MDCK cells. At all of the cyclic AMP concentrations tested DBr2 and DBr3 cells had reduced protein kinase activity as compared with normal MDCK cells. This reduced activity could be attributed to a decrease in the Vmax for kinase in the two variants, rather than to a change in the Km of kinase for cyclic AMP. The cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity of dibutyryl cyclic AMP resistant variants was also studied. Unlike PGE1 independent clone 1, DBr2 and DBr3 cells did not differ significantly from normal MDCK cells with regard to their ability to degrade cyclic AMP. The growth and functional responsiveness of DBr2 and DBr3 cells to PGE1 was also examined. DBr2 and DBr3 cells were shown to retain a normal growth response to PGE1. However the capacity of DBr2 and DBr3 cells to form domes in response to PGE1 was dramatically reduced as compared with normal MDCK cells. Nevertheless DBr3 cells were shown to still retain the capacity to form domes in response to other inducers. The effect of PGE1 on one of the functional parameters involved in dome formation (the activity of the Na+/K+ATPase) was examined. The rate of ouabain-sensitive Rb+ uptake was observed to be elevated in confluent monolayers of normal MDCK cells maintained in Medium K-1, as compared with monolayers maintained in Medium K-1 minus PGE1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Cell cycle-dependent inhibition of human vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by prostaglandin E1

We examined the influence of prostaglandins on the initiation of proliferation of growth-arrested human adult aortic and fetal smooth muscle cells. Prostaglandins of the E series (25 nM) exerted a significant (p less than or equal to 0.05) inhibitory effect on DNA synthesis. Inhibition was observed when PGE1 was added in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. PGE1 had no effect when added once DNA synthesis had started. Thus prostaglandins of the E series may inhibit the responsiveness of smooth muscle cells to the mitogenic action of critical growth factors, such as PGDF. This inhibitory response is cell-cycle dependent. Once smooth muscle cells have entered S phase, PGE1 is no longer effective. Our data also suggest that cAMP is involved in the PGE1-induced growth inhibition, since concomitant with PGE1 addition, cAMP levels rose rapidly; addition of the cAMP analogue db-cAMP resulted in a cell-cycle-dependent inhibition pattern comparable to that observed with PGE1.

Inhibitory effects of parathyroid hormone on growth of osteogenic sarcoma cells

The effects of the bone resorbing hormone, parathyroid hormone (PTH), on the growth of malignant osteoblastic cells have been examined. The malignant osteoblastic cells were a clonal line (UMR 106) derived from a transplantable rat osteogenic sarcoma. The predominant effect of PTH at doses above 10(-10) M was an inhibition of replication and DNA synthesis. Replication was decreased by PTH in both the presence or absence of serum and at various cell seeding densities. Both bovine PTH (1-84) and the synthetic hormone, human PTH (1-34), inhibited replication, but with bovine hormone being an order of magnitude more potent. The effects could be observed in as short a time as 6 hours with DNA synthesis and 24 hours with replication.

Involvement of cyclic AMP, iodide and metabolites of arachidonic acid in the regulation of cell proliferation of isolated porcine thyroid follicles

Experiments with primary cultures of isolated porcine thyroid follicles were performed in serum-free well-defined medium to investigate different pathways that may be involved in the regulation of thyroid cell growth. The incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA within 72 h was about 25-fold with fetal calf serum (FCS, 1%), 20-fold with epidermal growth factor (EGF, 1 ng/ml) and 3.5-fold with insulin (10 micrograms/ml) as compared to controls. Bovine TSH significantly reduced the basal and insulin-induced growth rate at concentrations of 10(-6) to 10(-4) U/ml and 10(-4) U/ml, respectively. Forskolin stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in thyroid cells and significantly reduced FCS-, EGF- or insulin-induced growth. In contrast, a 2- to 7-fold increase in FCS-, insulin- or EGF-induced growth rate was found, when cyclic AMP formation was inhibited by 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA). Iodide was stimulatory at low concentrations (1 microM) and inhibitory at higher concentrations (40-80 microM) on FCS-induced growth rate. The inhibitory effect of iodide was blocked by propylthiouracil (PTU), indicating that an iodinated compound is responsible for this effect. Indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, did not inhibit EGF- and insulin-induced growth up to a concentration of 100 microM. However, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and BW-755C, which are lipoxygenase inhibitors, strongly inhibited the growth of thyroid cells at micromolar concentrations. These data clearly show that (1) bovine TSH is not a growth factor for isolated thyroid cells in vitro, (2) thyroid cell proliferation, induced by FCS, EGF and insulin is under negative control of cyclic AMP. (3) Iodide controls dose-dependently thyroid cell growth by iodinated metabolites, probably modulating 2 different pathways: (a) at low iodide concentrations, an iodinated compound enhances the growth rate by inhibition of cyclic AMP formation, and (b) at high concentrations, iodide diminishes the growth rate by inhibiting the response to growth factors. (4) Metabolite(s) of lipoxygenase appear to be involved in intracellular signal transduction evoked by growth factors in thyroid cells.

Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors block alcohol-induced fetal hypoplasia

Alcohol-induced growth retardation is a fetal effect consistently associated with maternal ethanol consumption. In humans, those infants whose mothers consume even a limited amount of ethanol during pregnancy have a significant incidence of growth inhibition. The molecular mechanism responsible for this growth deficiency is unknown, and prevention depends on maternal abstinence during pregnancy. The data reported here suggest that ethanol-mediated increases in tissue prostaglandin (PG) E levels (PGE1 plus PGE2) are correlated with the growth retardation. Further, simultaneous administration of PG synthesis inhibitors with the alcohol blocks the rise in tissue PG levels and protects against the alcohol-induced hypoplasia.

Effect of epidermal growth factor on synthesis of prostaglandins and cyclic AMP by embryonic palate mesenchymal cells

The influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the ability of murine embryonic palate mesenchymal (MEPM) cells to be stimulated to synthesize cAMP and prostaglandins was investigated. Preincubation of MEPM cells with EGF enhanced, in a dose-dependent fashion, (1) the responsiveness of MEPM cells to prostaglandin E1-induced elevation of intracellular levels of cAMP, and (2) the responsiveness of cells to calcium ionophore (A23187) and melittin-induced synthesis of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha. Hormonal responsiveness of MEPM cells to EGF, prostaglandins and cAMP has been implicated as being involved in controlling various aspects of normal oro-facial development. We show here that EGF can potentiate hormonal responsiveness of these cells and thus allows consideration of EGF as a factor which may modulate hormonally regulated craniofacial growth and differentiation.

Relationship of ornithine decarboxylase activity and cAMP metabolism to proliferation of normal human bronchial epithelial cells

The mechanisms of action of extracellular mitogens for normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) were investigated by observing their effects on selected biochemical pathways when the cells were incubated in serum-free media. We find that (a) epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and the rate of cell division without stimulating cAMP; (b) alone, pituitary extract (PEX) does not stimulate ODC activity, cAMP levels, or cell division; (c) when PEX is added to medium containing EGF there is a further increase in both ODC activity and the rate of cell division, again with no increase in cAMP levels; (d) in contrast, alone, L-epinephrine (EPI) stimulates an increase in both ODC and cAMP but does not stimulate cell division; (e) when EPI is added to medium containing both EGF and PEX a further increase in the rate of cell division is noted; (f) the specific inhibitor of ODC, alpha-(difluoromethyl)-ornithine (DMFO), also inhibits NHBE cell proliferation; and (g) the beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol inhibits the mitogenic action and ODC induction by EPI observed under condition e. We conclude that an increase in ODC activity is necessary but not sufficient for an increase in proliferation of NHBE cells. In contrast, cAMP stimulation is not necessary for an increase in NHBE cell division. However, in the presence of undefined factors in PEX, increases in cAMP levels result in a synergistic increase in the rate of EGF-stimulated clonal growth. By correlating the biochemical pathways invoked by EGF, PEX, EPI, and combinations thereof with their mitogenic actions, we have better defined the role each of these different mitogens plays in stimulating epithelial cell division.

Synergistic induction of ornithine decarboxylase by diacylglycerol, A23187, and cholera toxin in guinea pig lymphocytes

When guinea pig lymphocytes were cultured with 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol (OAG), A23187, and cholera toxin, ornithine decarboxylase activity was induced synergistically, peaking at 6 h. Addition of 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA), A23187, and dibutyryl cAMP caused the same kind of induction. Cholera toxin potentiated the ability of A23187 to induce ornithine decarboxylase, but not that of OAG. Dibutyryl cAMP augmented the induction caused by A23187 but not by TPA. These results suggest that both the activation of Ca++-sensitive, phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) and the increase in intracellular levels of Ca++ and cAMP are necessary for this induction. cAMP may potentiate the induction by modulating a Ca++ messenger system other than that for protein kinase C activation.

Elevated arterial cyclic AMP levels during the development of spontaneous hypertension in rats

Vascular cyclic AMP alterations were studied during the initiation of vascular hypertrophy and hyperplasia in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The onset of hypertension at 6 weeks of age coexisted with a three-fold elevation in the aortic content and concentration of cyclic AMP, whereas aortic DNA and protein contents were identical to those of WKY controls. A similar cyclic AMP elevation was present in 12-week-old SHR when vascular hypertrophy and hyperplasia were already established. These experiments suggest the participation of cyclic AMP in the process of hypertensive vascular growth.

Cyclic AMP response to various haemopoietic regulators

Diffusible inhibitors and stimulators are involved in the regulation of bone marrow pluripotent stem cell (CFU-S) proliferation. We have previously shown the existence of CFU-S inhibitors in foetal calf marrow and liver and have started their purification. The lack of a simple and time-saving test to determine the kinetic state of CFU-S and the activity of the inhibitors led us to explore the possibility of a biochemical proliferation marker that could be used for screening purpose. Since it was shown that cyclic AMP was implicated in the regulation of CFU-S proliferation, it was of interest to study the variations in cAMP levels after stimulation and inhibition of CFU-S entry into cycle. The results of in vitro experiments showed that the increase in cAMP levels observed in bone marrow cells after incubation with different haemopoietic stimulators was specific neither for bone marrow cells nor for the various haematopoietic regulators. In the in vivo experiments, an increased cAMP level was observed 8 hr after one injection of Ara-C at the time when CFU-S are recruited into S phase. However, no modification of cAMP levels has been observed after injection of CFU-S inhibitors in the Ara-C-treated mice. Although cAMP does not seem to be a suitable marker for testing the activity of inhibitory fractions during the purification process, this work has contributed to the study of CFU-S stimulators.

Activities of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and enzymes of 2',5'-oligoadenylate metabolism in NIH 3T3 cells deepening into the resting state

The activity of cAMP-dependent protein kinase was found to increase continuously in the NIH 3T3 cells, deepening into the resting state. The increase correlated with intracellular level of heat-stable protein inhibitor of the protein kinase rather than with the cAMP content. The elevation of 2',5'-oligo(A) synthetase activity and the decrease in 2'-phosphodiesterase activity were also observed in the cells sinking into the resting state. The variations in enzyme activities were similar to those caused by the increase in the intracellular cAMP content described elsewhere. These results agree with the idea that the cAMP-dependent protein kinase is involved in the regulation of the enzymes of 2',5'-oligo(A) metabolism.

Effects of diazoxide-induced reversible diabetes on chemically induced autochthonous mammary carcinomas in Sprague-Dawley rats

The effect of oral administration of diazoxide on rats bearing mammary carcinomas induced by dimethylbenzanthracene (7,12-DMBA) or methylnitrosourea (MNU) was investigated. Administration of 300 mg/kg diazoxide caused mild reversible diabetes with maximum glucose levels of 305 +/- 74 (control: 119 +/- 12) mg/dl and related insulin levels of 15 +/- 5 (control: 24 +/- 11) microU/ml after 4 hr in tumor-bearing animals. Following the same dose of diazoxide a more than 90% inhibition of tumor growth was observed in 7,12-DMBA- and MNU-induced autochthonous rat mammary carcinomas as well as remission of the median total tumor volume per group in 7,12-DMBA-induced lesions. Frequently, onset of remissions and median remission duration proved to be dose-dependent in 7,12-DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma and, with the exception of the median remission duration, in MNU-induced tumors too. After cessation of diazoxide application, 30% rebound responses were observed in 7,12-DMBA-induced tumors of animals that had had a first remission due to diazoxide. Application of insulin (2 IU per rat) together with diazoxide (300 mg/kg) reversed the tumor-inhibiting effect of diazoxide in MNU-induced tumors. The diazoxide effect might in part be due to a decrease in the percentage of proliferating cells caused by insulin depletion as indicated by a lower amount of cells in S-phase, as measured by DNA-flow cytometry. Marked toxicity was observed after effective doses of diazoxide; the experiments indicate that induction of reversible diabetes might be a useful tool in the treatment of hormone-dependent mammary carcinoma.

Hormonal sensitivity of adenylate cyclase from human endometrium: modulation by estradiol

In human endometria, a membrane-bound adenylate cyclase is present, which is recovered in high yield in a low-speed particulate fraction. Neither the specific activity of the enzyme nor the response to modifiers that act through the regulatory subunit of the complex, are modified during the proliferative or secretory phase of the cycle. Surprisingly, we found that in vitro treatment of secretory endometrial membranes with 17 beta-estradiol stimulates 3- to 4-fold the activity of adenylate cyclase. However this response does not occur on proliferative membranes. The activation by estradiol is independent of the presence of guanylylimidodiphosphate and is additive to that of the nucleotide. Possibly, as the consequence of the phenomenon, the concentration of cyclic AMP is significantly higher in curretage samples obtained from patients during the secretory rather than in the proliferative phase of the cycle. To our knowledge this is the first evidence of a target-cell membrane-directed effect of sex steroids in humans.

Modulation of adenylate cyclase by guanine nucleotides and Kirsten sarcoma virus mediated transformation

Certain tumour cells contain activated ras genes that code for 21 000 dalton proteins (p21). These proteins associate with the inner face of the plasma membrane and bind guanine nucleotides specifically. In order to determine whether p21s have functions similar to other GTP binding proteins, we investigated the regulation, by guanine nucleotides, of adenylate cyclase (AC) activity in membrane preparations isolated from fibroblasts (C127) transformed by a temperature sensitive mutant of Kirsten sarcoma virus (Ts 371). The degree of AC stimulation by GMP P(NH)P increased when these cells were shifted from the permissive temperature (33 degrees C) to the non-permissive temperature (39 degrees C). This effect was more pronounced at low Mg++ and low GMP P(NH)P concentrations. AC stimulation remained unchanged in rat fibroblasts infected with a temperature sensitive mutant of Rous Sarcoma virus. AC activity was depressed in C127 cells infected with wild type KiMSV. Our data illustrate the feasibility of correlating alterations in the AC system with ras gene expression and using such experimental approaches to elucidate the physiological functions of the p21 proteins.

Comparison of the effect of two and six week exposure to 80% and 100% oxygen on the lung of the newborn mouse: a quantitative SEM and TEM correlative study

Prolonged inhalation of 80% oxygen, in contrast to 100% oxygen, has generally been assumed not to lead to significant pulmonary impairment. Two and six week old C57BL mice were systematically assessed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy for structural changes in the lung caused by inhalation of 80% and 100% oxygen from the first day of life, and the injury was quantitated morphometrically. Six weeks of continuous inhalation of 80% oxygen resulted in diffuse fibrosis of the gas exchanging parts of the lung superimposed on which were, in the 100% oxygen exposed mice, foci of coarse scarring. Lowering the inspired oxygen concentration from 100% to 80% appeared to reduce the mucosal injury more than the interstitial fibrotic response. This suggests that the most persistent alteration caused by chronic supplemental oxygen exposure below 80% will be interstitial fibrosis.

Regulation of 2-5 A phosphodiesterase activity by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation: mechanism and biological role

The results of the present study permit the explanation of one of the mechanisms of the interconnection between the regulatory systems of cAMP and 2-5A. cAMP-dependent regulation of 2'-PDE was found to involve phosphorylation of the specific protein inhibitor. Originally, a similar way of regulation of the enzyme activity was discovered for protein phosphatase I. This enzyme has a specific protein inhibitor type 1, which is phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase and is activated by phosphorylation (18). It is interesting that the molecular weights of 2'-PDE protein inhibitor and of the inhibitor type 1 of protein phosphatase I are essentially the same. There is also a certain similarity between the above described mechanism and phosphorylation of the regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase type 2. The regulatory subunit can also act as a protein inhibitor of the enzyme and change its properties as a result of phosphorylation (19). The results obtained permit as well a more detailed explanation for cAMP-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. Evidently, cAMP elevation causes activation of cAMP-dependent phosphorylation which, in turn, leads to the induction of 2-5A synthetase and inhibition of 2'-PDE. As a result of variations in the activities of these enzymes, the level of 2-5A rises. The latter brings about the changes characteristic of the resting state. They involve activation of RNase L and the succeeding acceleration of RNA hydrolysis, inhibition of protein synthesis and cell proliferation. The resting state is characterized by a rapid turnover of macromolecules due to their intensive degradation (20). The above described scheme suggested that the rapid turnover of RNA during inhibition of cell proliferation can be partially accounted for by activation of 2-5A-dependent RNase L. Thus, it can be thought that at least one of the mechanisms of the antiproliferative effect of cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of proteins involves cAMP-dependent elevation of intracellular 2-5A. Evidently, a number of properties of the resting cells are determined by the elevated content of 2-5A. Finally, it should be noted that the interconnection between the systems of cAMP and 2-5A is a multiple process. We have earlier demonstrated (12) that 2-5A activates cAMP phosphodiesterase in NIH 3T3 cell homogenates. These data suggest that the mutual regulation of cAMP and 2-5A levels involves the negative feedback mechanism (Fig. 8).

Plasma and urine cyclic nucleotide levels in patients with neoplastic diseases

Plasma and/or urine cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) levels were measured in 67 normal subjects, 55 patients with nonneoplastic diseases, and 324 patients with ten different types of cancer. There were no significant differences in plasma and urine cyclic nucleotide levels between normal subjects and patients with non-neoplastic diseases. In untreated cancer patients, plasma and urine cAMP levels were similar to those of normal subjects, whereas plasma and urine cGMP levels were markedly higher. This pattern was common to all the cancer groups studied. Chemotherapy per se did not seem to influence cyclic nucleotide levels in cancer patients. However, plasma and urine cGMP levels normalized in all patients who attained complete remission. Moreover, in acute leukemia patients who relapsed, plasma cGMP levels increased significantly with respect to the complete remission values, thus suggesting that this parameter may be useful in monitoring the response of cancer patients to treatment.

The effects of growth factors and serum on DNA synthesis and differentiation in thyroid cells in culture

The effects of three putative growth factors and serum on [Me-3H]thymidine and Na125I incorporation into thyroid cell cultures have been examined. We found that serum and EGF could stimulate radioactively labelled thymidine incorporation into confluent cultures. However, both factors completely inhibited iodine uptake and organification at low concentrations. Insulin also stimulated [Me-3H]thymidine incorporation but had no adverse effect on thyroid differentiated function. TSH examined under the same conditions was not a growth factor but was essential to maintain differentiated functions. We conclude that thyroid growth and differentiation are not mutually exclusive processes. However, EGF and serum inhibit thyroid differentiated function at very low concentrations. Elucidation of the physiological role of these factors and their mechanism of action may lead to a greater understanding of thyroid hormone biosynthesis.

Studies on responsiveness of hepatoma cells to catecholamines. I. Lack of beta-adrenergic responsiveness in rat ascites hepatoma AH13 cells

The beta-adrenoceptor density and the activities of adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase were examined to compare AH13 cells having lower beta-adrenergic responsiveness with other rat ascites hepatoma cells and normal rat liver cells. Normal rat liver cells used were cultured for 24 hr after the collagenase digestion of liver. The density of binding sites of 3H-dihydroalprenolol in AH13 cell plasma membrane was very similar to the density in AH44 and normal liver cell membrane, but that in AH130 cell plasma membrane was about 10-fold greater than those in the other three cell lines. The activity of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase was about 2.5- to 7-fold higher in hepatoma cells than in rat liver cells, but this enzyme activity of AH13 cells was not especially high among the hepatoma cells examined. The basal adenylate cyclase activity was lower in AH44 cells, but was higher in AH13 and AH130 cells than in rat liver cells. However, adenylate cyclase of AH13 cells was hardly activated by isoproterenol, while the enzyme of the other cells was activated 3- to 5-fold. On the other hand, adenylate cyclase of each cell line including AH13 was activated 4- to 14-fold by NaF. From these results, it is suggested that AH13 cells can hardly produce cyclic AMP by the beta-adrenergic stimulation because of the disordered interaction of beta-adrenoceptors with adenylate cyclase.

The microtubular cytoskeleton and the initiation of DNA synthesis

Depending on cell type and mode of growth stimulation, an intact cytoplasmic microtubule system may either support or suppress passage through the prereplicative G1 phase (growth and maturation) and entrance into the S phase (DNA synthesis) of the cell cycle. In peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to mitogenic lectins, colchicine and other antimicrotubular drugs inhibit blast transformation and initiation of DNA synthesis. The inhibitory effect is not due to decreased cellular binding of lectin or lack of generation of a stimulatory signal. Rather, it can be explained by an inability of the cells to pass through the G1 phase at a normal rate in the absence of cytoplasmic microtubules. The formation of new organelles and the growth in cell size that occur during this phase is markedly delayed by the drugs. For example, the Golgi complex, an organelle system that participates in membrane biogenesis and other basic cellular functions, is reduced in size and structurally disorganized. In cells with a shorter prereplicative phase, such as fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, antimicrotubular drugs inhibit DNA synthesis in growth-arrested cultures exposed to optimal concentrations of serum, thrombin or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). On the other hand, antimicrotubular drugs stimulate DNA replication in serum-free cultures and enhance the stimulatory effect of insulin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and prostaglandin F2 alpha on entrance into S phase. Moreover, stabilization of cytoplasmic microtubules with taxol has been found to block microtubule disassembly and initiation of DNA synthesis by colchicine and to inhibit thrombin- and EGF-stimulated DNA synthesis under serum-free conditions. These findings suggest that partial microtubule disassembly is an inherent step in the reactions that precede DNA replication and mitosis. However, the cell biological and molecular details of these reactions and the exact role of microtubules remain enigmatic.

Phenotype modulation in primary cultures of arterial smooth-muscle cells

The effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on the phenotypic state of enzymatically isolated arterial smooth-muscle cells in primary culture were studied by transmission electron microscopy, thymidine autoradiography, and cell counting. Early in culture (day 0-2), PGE1 stimulated conversion of the cells from contractile (less euchromatic nucleus and cytoplasm dominated by myofilament bundles) to synthetic state (more euchromatic nucleus and cytoplasm dominated by cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and a large Golgi complex). The rate of entrance of the cells into DNA synthesis and mitosis was also increased at this time. Later on (day 3-6), when the majority of the cells had entered synthetic state, PGE1 inhibited DNA synthesis and cellular proliferation. These observations indicate that the effect of prostaglandins on arterial smooth muscle is dual in nature and dependent on the state of differentiation of the cells.

Mediation of vascular endothelial proliferation by factors in fetal bovine retinal extracts and serum

The effect of fetal bovine retinal extract (FBR) and dialyzed fetal bovine serum (FBS) on in vitro proliferation of vascular endothelial cells was studied. Quantitatively, FBR, both dialyzable and nondialyzable, and dialyzed FBS exhibited a synergism in bringing about an enhanced proliferation of vascular endothelial cells. Assays on selected samples using both aortic and retinal vascular endothelial cells yielded similar results. In the absence of dialyzed FBS, FBR had only a negligible stimulatory effect. When compared at a protein concentration of 3 mg ml-1, dialyzed FBS elicited vascular endothelial proliferation at a rate only 25% that of FBS (not dialyzed). However, under experimental conditions using 3 mg ml-1 of dialyzed FBS and 0.5 mg ml-1 of dialyzed retinal extract, a six-fold increase in the activity of vascular endothelial proliferation was demonstrated. The observed synergistic effect was dependent on the concentrations of both dialyzed FBS and FBR. The observed synergism rules out the possibility that the stimulatory effect of FBR was due to blood contamination in sample preparation. Qualitatively, major components of dialyzed FBS and dialyzed FBR that exerted a synergistic effect on the stimulation of vascular endothelial proliferation were isolated by permeation chromatography using Sephadex G-100, with Mr estimated at 150 000 and 80 000, respectively. One minor component in FBS and one in FBR were also present.

Prostaglandin E1 inhibits DNA synthesis in arterial smooth muscle cells stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor

The effect of prostaglandins (PG) on initiation of DNA synthesis in arterial smooth muscle cells (SMC) stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was examined. A concentration of 10 ng/ml PGE1 inhibited DNA synthesis, measured as autoradiographically labeled nuclei, by about 70%. Similar results were obtained with PGE2 and PGD2 but at concentrations 10-20 times higher, whereas PGF2 alpha lacked effect. The inhibitory action of the prostaglandins was restricted to the first 6 h of the lag phase. Treatment with PGE1 also raised the intracellular concentration of cyclic AMP, indicating that the inhibition may be mediated via changes in the levels of cyclic nucleotides.

Reverse transformation of Chinese hamster ovary cells by methyl xanthines. Structure-function relationships

Using a number of drugs that increase cellular cAMP levels, alterations in the amount of cell surface fibronectin and other transformation parameters were studied in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The drugs include db-cAMP, different methylxanthines (theophylline, aminophylline, methyl isobutyl xanthine (MIX), caffeine and theobromine), papaverine and cholera toxin. Methylxanthines that have a methyl group at the seventh position lack reverse transforming potential; those that lack a methyl group at the seventh position induced reverse transformation in CHO cells, causing an increase in surface fibronectin, cell substratum adhesive strength and anchorage dependence for growth. Further, as methyl xanthines are substituted in other positions different from the seventh position, the more efficient they become in restoring normal phenotypic properties; the later agents also induced low saturation density via a cytostatic state causing accumulation of cells in the S and G2 phases of the cycle in contrast to the G1 arrest of normal cells at low saturation density. db-cAMP and cholera toxin induced cell elongation but like caffeine and theobromine, did not induce surface fibronectin. The non-methylxanthine phosphodiesterase inhibitor papaverine induced neither cell elongation nor surface fibronectin but produced a cytostatic effect similar to aminophylline and MIX. These studies suggest that the reverse transformation properties fall into two groups: (a) Differentiation-related properties including cell morphology, parallel alignment and surface matrix fibronectin, etc.; (b) cell cycle-related properties-low saturation density, cell arrest at G1 phase and anchorage-dependent growth. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors reversibly eliminate indefinite division potential of CHO cells by inducing a cytostatic situation and not by inducing a G1-specific arrest.

Lipid composition of liver plasma membranes from rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride

Rat liver plasma membranes were isolated from rats intoxicated acutely and chronically with carbon tetrachloride and a quantitative analysis of lipids was performed. Membranes from regenerating liver (acute intoxication) are characterized by a 60% drop in total phospholipids with a diminished phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine ratio (PC/PE) and a markedly decreased cholesterol level during the first 3 days after the intoxication, leading to a drastically decreased cholesterol/phospholipid (PL) ratio. In the chronically intoxicated rats (non-regenerating liver), although the phospholipids are diminished, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine are equally decreased, and therefore the PC/PE ratio is not changed. Cholesterol is not diminished and, since the phospholipids are very low, the ratio cholesterol/PL is increased. These data could be correlated with the membrane fluidity. A decrease in the cholesterol/PL ratio results in a more fluid lipid matrix in the proliferative state of the cell. Treatment with colchicine during chronic intoxication prevented the increase in the cholesterol/PL ratio and improved the clinical conditions of the rats. The modulation of the cholesterol content could be a mechanism to control membrane fluidity during the different physiological states of the cell.

Analysis of BHK cell growth kinetics after microinjection of catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

The effect of catalytic subunit (C) of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase on cell growth kinetics of BHK cells was assessed by microinjection with chicken erythrocyte ghosts as vehicles for introduction of the protein into the cytosol of large populations of cells. The advantage in using chicken erythrocytes for microinjection is that the inactive erythrocyte nuclei serve as a probe for identifying and analyzing microinjection events. By utilizing this procedure, BHK cells were microinjected with an amount of C that was 5- to 10-fold greater than their endogenous levels. Growth kinetics were analyzed by [3H]thymidine incorporation and autoradiography. Cells were stained after autoradiography to more clearly reveal the chicken nuclei, and at each time point, cells were categorized into four groups: (i) not microinjected, not in S phase, (ii) not microinjected, in S phase, (iii) microinjected, not in S phase, (iv) microinjected, in S phase. Those cells not microinjected served as internal controls. Two experimental protocols were used to test the notion that C is involved in blocking cell progression through G1 phase of the cell cycle. First, cells were arrested in G0 phase by serum deprivation, microinjected with C or control proteins, and stimulated to proceed to S phase by the addition of serum or purified growth factors. Second, cells were collected in mitosis, microinjected with C or control proteins, and stimulated to proceed to S phase by the addition of serum. The results of these studies indicate that a 5- to 10-fold increase in the intracellular concentration of C is not a sufficient signal to arrest cell growth in G1 phase. Thus, growth-inhibitory effects of cyclic AMP on BHK cells are unlikely to be the result of activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.

PGE1-independent MDCK cells have elevated intracellular cyclic AMP but retain the growth stimulatory effects of glucagon and epidermal growth factor in serum-free medium

Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), a component in the hormone-supplemented, serum-free medium for the Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line, has been proposed to increase MDCK cell growth by increasing intracellular cyclic AMP levels. The association between increased intracellular cyclic AMP and the growth stimulatory effect of PGE1 has been examined in normal MDCK cells and in PGE1-independent variants of MDCK. These variant cells have lost the PGE1 requirement for long term growth in defined medium. Normal MDCK cells had almost twofold higher intracellular cyclic AMP levels during growth in Medium K-1 (9.0 pmol/mg protein) than in Medium K-1 minus PGE1. Furthermore, PGE1-independent clone 1 had higher intracellular cyclic AMP levels in Medium K-1 minus PGE1 than normal MDCK cells in Medium K-1. This latter observation suggests that the PGE1 requirement for MDCK cell growth is associated with the low intracellular cyclic AMP levels of this cell line. An involvement of cyclic AMP in the growth response to PGE1 is supported by these observations, as well as by the growth stimulatory effects of other agents that affect cyclic AMP metabolism in MDCK cells. These agents include glucagon, isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX), and dibutyryl cyclic AMP. The growth of PGE1-independent clone 1 was inhibited rather than stimulated by PGE1. Similarly, PGE1-independent cell growth was inhibited by IBMX and dibutyryl cyclic AMP. However, the growth response to one agent which increases cyclic AMP (glucagon) was retained in PGE1-independent clone 1. This result suggests that the effect of glucagon is not associated with increases in intracellular cyclic AMP. The growth stimulatory effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on normal MDCK cells was also studied. Although EGF does not act via a cyclic AMP-mediated mechanism, EGF increased normal MDCK cell growth and substituted for PGE1 in Medium K-1. Thus, EGF and PGE1 could possibly affect similar growth-related functions in MDCK cells, although by different pathways. This possibility was examined further, using PGE1-independent clone 1. EGF, like glucagon, was still growth stimulatory to the PGE1-independent cells. Consequently, the biochemical pathways by which EGF and PGE1 increase MDCK cell growth probably do not converge.

Ethanol-induced inhibition of chick brain growth

Retarded fetal brain growth is associated with a high incidence of mental retardation among the offspring of chronic alcoholic mothers. Research using an embryonic chick model suggests that ethanol exposure suppresses fetal development including suppression of brain growth. Total brain cyclic AMP content and endogenous brain protein kinase specific activity are not altered by ethanol; however, ethanol exposure does significantly stimulate kinase catalytic activity measured in the presence of saturating amounts of exogenous cyclic AMP.

Modulation of glucocorticoid receptor activity by cyclic nucleotides and its implications on the regulation of human skin fibroblast growth and protein synthesis

The modulation of glucocorticoid receptor activity by cyclic nucleotides was studied in cultured human skin fibroblasts. The receptors appeared to be activated in the presence of dibutyryl-cAMP and inactivated by dibutyryl-cGMP. Significantly, the cGMP content of the fibroblasts increased during cell growth, with a concomitant decrease in the glucocorticoid receptor activity, while when the cells reached early confluency the decrease in cGMP content was accompanied by an increase in cAMP and increased activity of the glucocorticoid receptors. In addition, cortisol induced (2'-5')oligoadenylate synthetase in these cells and raised the cellular (2'-5')oligoadenylate concentrations. This resulted in a decrease in both DNA and protein synthesis activity in the cells, a response which correlated with the (2'-5')oligoadenylate concentration. The combination of cortisol and dibutyryl-cAMP had a synergetic stimulatory effect on the (2'-5')oligoadenylate concentration and a synergetic inhibitory effect on protein synthesis. In conclusion, it is demonstrated here that cyclic nucleotides can modulate glucocorticoid receptor activity in cultured human skin fibroblasts, and thus these compounds may indirectly affect cellular metabolism by regulating the cellular responses to glucocorticoids.

Analysis of BHK cell growth kinetics after microinjection of catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase

The effect of catalytic subunit (C) of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase on cell growth kinetics of BHK cells was assessed by microinjection with chicken erythrocyte ghosts as vehicles for introduction of the protein into the cytosol of large populations of cells. The advantage in using chicken erythrocytes for microinjection is that the inactive erythrocyte nuclei serve as a probe for identifying and analyzing microinjection events. By utilizing this procedure, BHK cells were microinjected with an amount of C that was 5- to 10-fold greater than their endogenous levels. Growth kinetics were analyzed by [3H]thymidine incorporation and autoradiography. Cells were stained after autoradiography to more clearly reveal the chicken nuclei, and at each time point, cells were categorized into four groups: (i) not microinjected, not in S phase, (ii) not microinjected, in S phase, (iii) microinjected, not in S phase, (iv) microinjected, in S phase. Those cells not microinjected served as internal controls. Two experimental protocols were used to test the notion that C is involved in blocking cell progression through G1 phase of the cell cycle. First, cells were arrested in G0 phase by serum deprivation, microinjected with C or control proteins, and stimulated to proceed to S phase by the addition of serum or purified growth factors. Second, cells were collected in mitosis, microinjected with C or control proteins, and stimulated to proceed to S phase by the addition of serum. The results of these studies indicate that a 5- to 10-fold increase in the intracellular concentration of C is not a sufficient signal to arrest cell growth in G1 phase. Thus, growth-inhibitory effects of cyclic AMP on BHK cells are unlikely to be the result of activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.

Growth of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes controlled by shifts in cyclic AMP mediated by adrenergic ligands

Intracellular levels of cAMP in Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes were determined in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, and in the presence of the adrenergic ligand isoproterenol. An increase in the levels of cAMP was observed when those drugs were added. This effect was more pronounced when the cells were in the lag phase of growth. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors, catecholamines and dibutyryl cAMP inhibited proliferation of the organisms, as well as [3H]thymidine incorporation in in vitro experiments. These findings strongly suggest that cAMP plays a role in the control of growth of T. cruzi. The effects of adrenergic ligands in increasing cAMP levels and inhibiting growth could be reversed by beta-adrenergic antagonists, suggesting the presence of a receptor-mediated adenylate cyclase system in T. cruzi. Cholinergic ligands had no effect.

Prostaglandin and thromboxane levels in central nervous system tissues from rats during the induction and development of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE)

Prostaglandin (PG) and thromboxane levels were measured in the spinal cords and cerebellums of rats during the induction, disease and recovery periods of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). In spinal cords PGE and 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha increased to maximum with the onset of neurological symptoms, 11-12 days after inoculation. However, the levels returned to normal at the height of clinical disease, despite the persistence of inflammatory lesions. After an initial fall, PGF2 alpha increased to normal limits, 11-12 days after inoculation, and remained at this level throughout the experiment. In contrast, the cerebellum content of all the eicosanoids decreased prior to the appearance of clinical EAE. PGF2 alpha and 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha concentrations subsequently increased but the PGE and thromboxane levels remained depressed for the duration of the study. The role of the eicosanoids in modulating the immune response to neuroantigen is discussed together with our recent findings in guinea pigs with acute EAE.

Clonal heterogeneity of cyclic AMP responsiveness: a comparison of malignant murine lymphoid cell lines

Various murine lymphoid tumor cell lines were examined for their alterations in intracellular levels of cyclic AMP following exposure to several pharmacologic agents. The agents tested in the present study included 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (MIX), isoproterenol (ISO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE), histamine, and cholera toxin (CT). B cell tumors were generally found to be less responsive to beta-adrenergic and PGE-induced increases in cyclic AMP than were T cell tumors. An exception to this general finding was the murine B lymphoma cell line WEHI-231, which demonstrated marked sensitivity to ISO and PGE. Macrophage tumors were generally found to be even less responsive to PGE than were the B cell tumors, again with some notable exceptions (P388.D1). Cholera toxin produced differential effects in B, T, and macrophage tumors, both in terms of the absolute magnitude of the cyclic AMP response and the kinetics of this response. A T lymphoma cell line (EL-4) was identified that seems to be totally unresponsive to cell surface receptor-mediated increases in intracellular levels of cyclic AMP. The results of this study are discussed in terms of the usefulness of murine lymphoid tumors for the study of pharmacologic modulation of the immune response by cyclic AMP-elevating agents. These results demonstrate the high degree of cellular heterogeneity that can exist within normal lymphoid populations of cells, and suggest that cloned cell lines may be useful in the biochemical characterization of subsets of lymphoid cells.

Cholera toxin and dibutyryl cyclic-AMP stimulate the growth of epithelial cells derived from epithelial rests from porcine periodontal ligament

The epithelial cells (E-cells) grew best at high (greater than 5 per cent) concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Growth could be obtained at low concentrations of dialysed FBS (DFBS) if the medium (alpha-MEM) was modified so that the levels of Ca2+ and K+ were reduced to 0.1 and 1.0 mM, respectively (beta-MEM). The addition of 0.5 per cent DFBS to the beta-MEM did not initiate good growth but was sufficiently supportive to enable the effects of various growth promoters to be tested. Cholera toxin and dibutyryl cyclic-3'5'-adenosine monophosphate (Bt2cAMP), which are known to increase intracellular cAMP levels, at concentrations of 1 ng/ml and 0.5 mM, respectively increased cell number. Cholera toxin caused the E-cells to be more flattened when viewed by phase-contrast; this appeared to be due to spread of the cells. No difference in cell-size distributions obtained between the trypsinized E-cells grown in the presence or absence of cholera toxin was observed. Epithelial proliferation that occurs in dental cysts could result from a rise in intracellular cAMP levels in epithelial cell rests.

A longitudinal study of the prostaglandin content of central nervous system tissues from guinea pigs with acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE)

The levels of prostaglandins (PGs) E, F2 alpha and 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha, in spinal cords and cerebellums of guinea pigs were measured during the development of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). The earliest change observed was an elevation of PGE in spinal cords, but not cerebellums , 5-7 days post-inoculation (PI) and prior to the appearance of clinical symptoms. PGE content of spinal cords continued to rise until days 12-14 PI when the animals displayed paralytic EAE. In contrast, PGF2 alpha and 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha levels in spinal cords peaked on days 9-11, when the animals exhibited initial clinical signs, but fell to lower values by days 12-14 PI. In cerebellums , the PGE content increased more slowly than in spinal cords, consistent with the lower numbers of mononuclear cell infiltrates, whereas PGF2 alpha and 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha levels remained unaltered. The relationships between the observed changes in prostanoid levels, lesion development and the appearance of clinical symptoms are discussed.